A Secret Ambition - Laura - Wattpad

A Secret Ambition

Reads 171,693
Votes 14,019
Parts 38
Time 7h 31m

Reads 171,693
Votes 14,019
Parts 38
Time 7h 31m

aristocracy ashwood duchess duke england grumpysunshine hea historical historicalfiction littlelo love lovestory princess regency regencyromance romance royal secretidentity series

Before giving herself over the the inevitable marriage mart that is the London Season, Lily Beresford is determined to make a clandestine foray out into the real world.

Desperate for a sense of purpose and autonomy before she marries, Lily creates a pseudonym and applies for work as a secretary to an Irish merchant. 

What starts as a simple ruse for a taste of independence quickly becomes complicated as Lily gets to know her new employer, rivals emerge, and trust is ultimately tested. 

Lily is about to learn the true meaning of "be careful what you wish for".All Rights Reserved

aristocracy ashwood duchess duke england grumpysunshine hea historical historicalfiction littlelo love lovestory princess regency regencyromance romance royal secretidentity series

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A Simple Deception by littleLo

At three and twenty, Lady Susanna Beresford is at dire risk of being considered an old maid, though she is determined that nothing but the deepest love will incline her to marry, a fact that deeply vexes her mother. As the season closes in 1810 and Susanna prepares to return home to Hertfordshire unattached, she meets the very man who will indeed change her life forever. A man whom high society would deem inappropriate and forbidden based on the very colour of his skin. But there is more to this man than meets the eye, and their meeting sets in motion a series of events that will undoubtably change society as they know it forever.

Eventually Yours by ANHorton1227

A younger sister cannot wed before an older sister. It's a law of their society, a rule vehemently obeyed by prominent families in the nobility, and it's always been Ella Harrington's buffer. Ella has never been interested in marrying for anything short of love itself. Unfortunately for her, love is a rarity in the marriages of the aristocracy. Fortunately for her, her sister Emily is precisely one year older than her and is the most unpleasant, disagreeable, sulking woman to ever debut in all of England. So Ella may never have to marry at all. A free woman, she enjoys her time on the sidelines and wishes for nothing more. That is, until a tall, dark, and brooding Duke comes to town alongside an old friend of her brother's. Suddenly, Ella finds herself questioning the antiquated marriage order rule as her buffer begins to feel more like a barrier. Not that it matters. The Duke isn't interested in her anyway. Right?

Rediscovering Love by HHarrisAuthor

Carmella 'Ella' Camden, a curious and intelligent young woman, dreams of finding love and companionship. Despite her beauty and wit, she constantly feels overlooked by noble men during her social seasons, who only seem interested in her friends and relatives. Losing hope, Ella resigns herself to the life of a spinster. Meanwhile, Jeremiah 'Jeremy' Morvall, Duke of Darlington, returns to England after traveling for business, being left no choice he has to find a lady to shoo away the eager ladies and their mothers. Fate brings Jeremy and Ella together at a grand ball, where Ella seeks solace in the Duke's library, surrounded by books that have always been her faithful companions. Little does she know that Jeremy instantly becomes captivated by her enchanting presence. However, Ella's past experiences have left her feeling unworthy of such attention, and she dismisses Jeremy's interest as nothing more than a fleeting curiosity. As Jeremy persistently pursues Ella's affections, the walls around her heart begin to crumble. But can Ella overcome her insecurities and allow herself to believe in love once more? Will Jeremy's true motives be exposed, or will he prove himself to be a genuine and devoted suitor? "Rediscovering Love" is a heartwarming historical romance that explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming past disappointments, and finding love when least expected. Readers will be swept away on a journey filled with tender moments, unexpected twists, and the undeniable power of true love. #1 IN HISTORICAL - 18TH JUNE 2024 #2 IN HISTORICAL - 31ST OCTOBER 2024

The Improper Companion by ashmita1321

It was the time of Prince Regent's rule on England when in the relatively small village of Bedfordshire, an impoverished companion-the daughter of an inconsequential vicar fell in love. But here was the catch. Who she fell in love with was no ordinary lad. He happened to be a grand Duke. This Duke was not only above her station and her employer but was also betrothed. She can neither act on her attraction towards him nor can she put the man out of her mind. So what will happen to this improper companion? Will she have her very own fairytale or will reality crush her dreams and hopes?

Until Forever (Complete) by LeeleeKez

Bailey Robinson's orders were simple; get rid of the letter and get back to work. When Bailey begins a correspondence with a mysterious woman, the last thing he expects is to fall in love with her. Or worse, find out that the woman behind the words of those letters, is now about to be wed to his master. ** Elizabeth is unwilling to settle for less in love. Which is why, she has turned down every eligible bachelor in London, to the horror of her parents. A correspondence with the dashing Frederick Wellington is her father's solution to her 'dreaded' spinsterhood, and her last attempt at finally finding the right man. An attempt that causes her to fall head over heels in love with Frederick. Elizabeth has finally met her prince charming. However, the longer she spends with Frederick, the more convinced she is that she has made a terrible mistake; a mistake that might be too late to correct, a mistake that just might cost her everything. Cover by- @Twenty_Nine_

Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington by AuthorGinnyHartman

Hope Hillburn was born to a life of servitude and never once questioned her role in society. As a lady's maid to Noelle Parrish, she had everything she wanted out of life; a secure and honorable post, a decent room to call her own, and ample time to write fantastical tales of winsome creatures while her mistress, Lady Noelle, attended the various society events offered by the ton. Lady Noelle Parrish knew that her father was anxious to see her wed but she never imagined he'd go behind her back and arrange for her to marry against her will, to a duke with a questionable reputation no less. Disheartened by the prospect of marrying a man she's never met and the possibility of foregoing a lifetime of love, Noelle makes the impulsive decision to flee England with an American gentleman she's only just met. There's only one problem... Lady Noelle's father, the Earl of Brattondale, would never permit her to marry an untitled American, nor was he willing to go back on his word to the duke. In her desperation, Lady Noelle convinces Hope to take her place after noticing an uncanny resemblance between them both. Against her own better judgment, Hope agrees to take Noelle's place when she realizes there's no other way for Noelle to flee to America without causing her family disgrace. Thrown into a life she has only ever viewed from the outside, Hope must convince everyone that she is a lady lest her farce be discovered. She is confident that she can handle society's strict rules of propriety but she soon learns that guarding her heart from falling in love with an incredibly handsome, self assured duke with a penchant for snarling isn't going to be quite as easy.

The Forgotten Duchess by MoonlightHunter3

After fleeing her burnt village, a woman with a mysterious past takes refuge in the home of a reticent duke. Soon, feelings develop, but secrets that link them threaten their fragile trust. ***** Vivienne, a young woman from Flaxpool, is on the run after her village burns to the ground. On a chance encounter, she meets James, the stoic and reserved Duke of Lennox, at his countryside manor and he agrees to keep her safe. James offers Vivienne the chance to make her debut in society to land a husband. Between the soirees, operas, and balls of the season, the two grow closer, neither resisting the invisible tug that pulls them together. Regrettably the Duke of Lennox is already betrothed, and his station as a gentleman requires him to uphold the promise. James will need to choose between his mind, his sense of duty, and his heart. Will the two star-crossed lovers come together, or will their secrets tear them apart? (#1 in Historical Fiction) (#7 in Historical Romance) © 2020 MoonlightHunter3 All Rights Reserved.

The Accidental Duchess by littleLo

When the arrogant stranger Bess is forced to marry unexpectedly becomes a duke, she'll find herself at odds with her growing feelings as he hunts for a killer. ***** Sharp-tongued Elizabeth 'Bess' Jones is perfectly content living on her lonesome in a tiny village south of Derbyshire. She works as a nurse, owns a small home, and finds the label of 'spinster' an agreeable trade for her independence. But when her entire life is uprooted in an instant, she only has one person to blame: her new husband, Emmett Wilde, who was caught in a compromising situation with her. And now, despite his promise to fake a death certificate after their wedding--to free her of any duty to him or their marriage bed--he sends for her in the dead of night with startling news: his father has been murdered, and he is now the Duke of Ascot with a wife he can no longer deny... [[Word Count: 60,000-70,000 words]] [[Cover designed by Ren Tachibana]]

The Stowaway by littleLo

Eliza Banes, her ambition for adventure and her penchant for trouble, have often been trying on her poor mama's nerves. All her mother desires is for Eliza to be married and settled, but Eliza has other plans. Seizing an opportunity to stow away on a merchant ship to live out her dreams of seeing the world, Eliza has no idea what she is getting herself into. What she thought would be a harmless adventure sees her experience new challenges, rowdy sailors, evil pirates, and it brings her face to face with the surliest sea captain with a heart of pure gold. Eliza is about to discover the true meaning of, "be careful what you wish for."

A Fiery Dalliance by littleLo

The words graceful, proper, ladylike and elegant could never be used to describe Perrie Beresford, the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashwood. Perrie has always had a little too much fire in her to ever be classified as a beautiful young debutante, which is what she will inevitably become in her first Season. But romance, courting, and marriage are the last things on Perrie's mind. Especially when her nemesis, who was once an annoying classmate, suddenly appears in her home as her father's protégé. As Perrie is pushed towards the life of an adult by those around her, she can't help but be pulled into a game of wars within the walls of her very home. But Perrie is about to learn that the line between love and hate are very fine ... and perhaps might not even exist at all.

An Unexpected Beginning by SageAurora13

In order to save her family's reputation, Ella Hunter agrees to marry a mysterious nobleman looking to save his family's fortune.

An Earnest Favour by littleLo

Abandoned by the man she thought loved her, Claire Denham is left with very few options as she faces the prospect of being disgraced for falling pregnant out of wedlock. In fact, she is left with one. Lord Jack Beresford, the younger son of the late Duke of Ashwood, and often considered "the spare" in comparison to his older brother, has long held a torch for the pretty Claire Denham. When fate throws them together, Jack extends a favour to Claire, and she takes it, turning the lives of their families upside down. As they navigate a marriage of convenience, jealousy, betrayal, old lovers, and the fear of being second best all pose dangerous threats to an already shaky relationship ...

The Case of the Season by robinwritesatt

[2022 Wattys Shortlist Finalist] In this mash-up of Bridgerton and Enola Holmes set during the Regency, Robin Ballard is sent to London to spend the season with her cousins, the Bridgertons, in the hopes that she will finally find a husband before it is too late, though she doesn't much care for the idea of matrimony. Similarly, the famous and very eligible detective Sherlock Holmes isn't interested in finding a wife, but has been hired to locate a missing heiress, which requires him to circulate amongst the ton, and he's having trouble because he lacks social graces. When he and Robin cross paths at a ball, they come to an arrangement that greatly benefits them both. She'll help him with the ton and he'll marry her, after which they can comfortably live their lives apart. But as they spend more time together, they find that close proximity has turned their ruse into reality.

To Defy A Duke by vickitickitoria

Lady Eliza Turner has no interest in finding herself a wealthy husband, she has her books, her best friend Charlotte, and plenty of opinions on what society expects from her. When her curiosity gets the better of her, and she ends up in a compromising position with the desirable Duke Harrington she must use all her wits and charm to survive the scandal she has created. Jasper Harrington doesn't enjoy attending social occasions especially when opinionated women think that it is acceptable to criticise him, but there is something about Eliza that he can't quite bear to part with. Are this odd couple going to find a happy ever after together or apart?

(COMPLETE) The Duke's Dangerous Wager by TenayaGatrell2

A scandalous kiss sparks an even more scandalous engagement, but secrets and danger threaten to unravel their love before it even begins. *** At a masquerade ball, Tristan Hargrave, the Duke of Ashford, makes a reckless wager: to steal a kiss from the season's most elusive debutante, Isla Everly. But when his drunken bet shatters her reputation, Tristan is left with no choice but to propose. For Isla Everly, the path is clear: secure a wealthy husband to save her family, and avoid the man responsible for their ruin. But when the very same duke brazenly kisses her at the ball, her future prospects crumble. With no other option, Isla reluctantly accepts his offer of marriage. As she navigates her new life with Tristan, Isla discovers a man far kinder than the one she's long despised. Yet her heart remains hardened by his past actions. But when a dangerous figure from Isla's past resurfaces, threatening to expose a dark secret, she is forced to turn to the one man she vowed never to trust.

A Solemn Promise by littleLo

As Lord Adam Beresford left Ashwood, Hertfordshire for the training and education of a gentleman, he promised to return and marry his childhood best friend, and the only girl he could see himself marrying, Grace Denham. Neither of them foresaw that it would be twelve years until they would meet again. A lot has changed in that time, and their lives are vastly different. Adam became a gentleman, and everything that the heir to a Dukedom ought to be. Grace remained in Ashwood and became a housemaid to support her family. But as their lives intertwine once more, their childhood promise bubbles to the surface, throwing their lives, the lives of their families, and the village of Ashwood into chaos.

The Wayward Miss Wainwright by ArabellaSheraton1

Miss Helena Wainwright is determined to see her nieces and nephew well settled with their new guardian, the Duke of Rotherham. After six months of transition, the children are beginning to bond with their uncle, but Helena and the Duke aren’t able to get much past the barest of civilities. Now that the duke is poised to offer for the shy Miss Fanshawe, Helena is horrified to discover an awful secret about the young lady and her scheming mother. What is she going to do--keep the secret or reveal all in her own bid for the duke’s heart? Ready to settle down and provide a stable environment for his wards, Vernon Wroxby, the Duke of Rotherham, has decided the amenable Miss Fanshawe will do, even if he dislikes her outspoken, uncouth mama. If he could just quit wondering what Miss Wainwright is doing (and with whom) he’d be able to appreciate the match a bit more. But as his wards begin to rebel against the idea of this marriage, and he starts to realize that his affections really reside with Miss Wainwright, will one determined marriage-mart mama ruin any chance he might have for true happiness?

Regency Romance: An Unexpected Duke's Invitation (A Historical Romance Book) by Eleanormeyers

( COMPLETED STORY) What happens when the rakish Lord in the whole of London is truly falling in love with a simple, plain, and most ordinary girl, something he has been avoiding- his innermost fear. True love? Miss Amy Ott is London's newest riddle. . . She's the mysterious niece of one of England's wealthiest dukes, and is about to encounter her first season. Knowing nothing about the workings of corsets and country dances, she's looking for any help she can find... even when it comes from the most unlikely source... London's infamous rogue-an older Duke. Duke Wardington's face transformed into something... dark . "Don't fear, Miss Ott. I have no desire of you. What if I told you that I could make you the belle of the ball? In every ball. The entire season." Amy chuckled. "Me? The belle of the ball? Impossible!" ... Or was it? This catches the attention from the most unlikely, most alluring man in all of London. Lord Nathaniel Dawnton knows what he wants. Amy Ott. And... this is definitely not in a way that he could speak of in public. The scoundrel, who blackened his own soul, had met all sorts of women throughout his years, but none like Amy. He's intrigued and won't stop until he has her. When Nathaniel's pursuits meet the walls of Amy's strength, the young lord is ready to jump those walls blindly... But... he doesn't realize that a jump toward Amy might mean a fall toward love... something he has been avoiding-his innermost fear ... true love. Find out NOW!

The Reluctant Marchioness by littleLo

After a disastrous first season in London, Rose Wilde finds herself torn between two men who love her -- but who both hide secrets that could ruin her. ***** Rose Wilde has always considered herself plain, especially when compared to her beautiful older sister Charlotte, and has practically given up on the idea of being romanced. But when American hotelier Derek Montgomery comes to revolutionise her little, sleepy English village of Ascot, Rose starts to revisit the idea of falling in love. However, Derek brings with him many secrets and obligations, some that might prohibit him from pursuing Rose -- and push her into the arms of her friend, Michael Cornell, the Marquess of Juniper. Will fate allow Rose and Derek to marry for love? Or will she indeed become the reluctant marchioness? [[Word count: 70,000 - 80,000 words]] Cover designed by Ashley Bandy (The Reluctant Marchioness is the sequel to The Coveted Countess, but can also be read as a standalone)

An Innocent Affair by littleLo

For Jem Denham, life became serious the moment he laid eyes on Miss Cressie Martin. As the youngest of five children, he was used to being considered the cheeky brother who never had to take anything seriously. But love can change everything. After a terrible faux pas during the first meeting, Jem becomes determined to better himself so that he can be considered a genuine suitor for Cressie's hand. As the summer sun rises and the 1812 London Season returns in full swing, there will be more than one man seeking Cressie's favour, and more than one snake in the grass to be wary of. Danger lurks, intentions are hidden, and affairs begin as only one question can be asked. Can love really conquer all?

You may also like

Slide 1 of 20

A Simple Deception cover

Eventually Yours cover

Rediscovering Love cover

The Improper Companion cover

Until Forever (Complete) cover

Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington cover

The Forgotten Duchess cover

The Accidental Duchess cover

The Stowaway cover

A Fiery Dalliance cover

An Unexpected Beginning cover

An Earnest Favour cover

The Case of the Season cover

To Defy A Duke cover

(COMPLETE) The Duke's Dangerous Wager cover

A Solemn Promise cover

The Wayward Miss Wainwright cover

Regency Romance: An Unexpected Duke's Invitation (A Historical Romance Book) cover

The Reluctant Marchioness cover

An Innocent Affair cover

A Simple Deception

At three and twenty, Lady Susanna Beresford is at dire risk of being considered an old maid, though she is determined that nothing but the deepest love will incline her to marry, a fact that deeply vexes her mother. As the season closes in 1810 and Susanna prepares to return home to Hertfordshire unattached, she meets the very man who will indeed change her life forever. A man whom high society would deem inappropriate and forbidden based on the very colour of his skin. But there is more to this man than meets the eye, and their meeting sets in motion a series of events that will undoubtably change society as they know it forever.